Jason Essary Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 Ok, I have a question. We have all seen the posts about releasing ALL the bass caught. And just to be known, I release 90% of all bass caught, and all over 16" (when i ever get to catching them). BUT, I have a question about fishing and really about Tourneys during the spawn. If our gorgeous lake is so delicate that keeping some fish is such a big deal, as it seems to some people, then how is it that so many people love to fish the tourneys during the spawn? In my mind, when someone jerks a bass of the nest, even if the bass makes it throu the stress of being hauled around and then released, the clutch of eggs is of course toast. Now, multiply that by the numbers of fisherman in these touneys, then multiply that by the tourneys during the spawn, and add in some for the "just like to fish" guys that take a couple home and we are talking a huge dent in the fry that even get a chance at growing up in a few years to be targeted. And how many times, even if directly after being caught they are released, do sows dump there eggs from the stress. I know of two guys that have told me they lost weight in their bag because of their livewell full of eggs at the weigh-in. Wonder what the population of bass in the lake would be if for three years bass were left alone to all spawn. I have heard so many people say to release all fish, but NEVER heard of anyone complaining about anything else. Just wanted to know what everone else thinks. Essary Construction - Honest work for honest price Custom Construction and Remodeling Call for free quotes (417)338-6418 http://essarycustomhomes.com/
FRENZEL Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 A month off for would probably make a huge difference. Stream bass fishing is an example. Probably would never happen though. How about a 2 month slot limit? I don't know.. Just a thought. TRACY FRENZEL FRENZELS GUIDE SERVICE 417-699-2277 "ONE MORE CAST"
Chris Tetrick Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 Tracy's exactly right. Shutting down a couple months would make a huge difference leaving them alone but I don't see that happening. A slot limit would probably also help. I think Babler told me the best idea I've ever heard of a couple years ago, during the spawn just shutting down certain areas and creek arms of the lake and rotating the off limit areas from year to year. I don't know either but I couldn't see how it'd hurt any. Mid Lakes Guide Svc. Chris Tetrick 331 Austin Place Branson West, MO 65737 www.midlakesguide.com
FRENZEL Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 Oh! I like that one even better! TRACY FRENZEL FRENZELS GUIDE SERVICE 417-699-2277 "ONE MORE CAST"
Root Admin Phil Lilley Posted April 16, 2009 Root Admin Posted April 16, 2009 Seems to me we have an incredible bass fishery the way it is. Yes- you will be hounded if you say you keep or even catch bass on the nest on this board. People are passionate about this subject and forever that will not change. But history tells us bass are harassed on the nests and kept before spawning on Table Rock every year and despite this fact we have one of the best bass fisheries in the country. I believe more and more anglers are changing to catch and release on spawning bass every year, not the other way around. So... carry on with the ongoing discussion of keep or not to keep.
Members stock jockey Posted April 16, 2009 Members Posted April 16, 2009 You all amaze me with the 'catch and release'. Table rock is probably the best fishery in the midwest when you consider all the K, LM and SM in the lake. I was fishing last year and was talking to a Missouri Conservation Agent and he stated that he wished people would keep the SM. He said that the LM fish kill that happened 5 years ago hurt the LM population and the SM keep the LM from being better in size and population. I don't believe in keeping fish for nothing but I do not think it hurts to keep some of the shorter keepers. You guys have taken things to far in my opinion. Just thought I would let you know how a lot of us think.
FRENZEL Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 You all amaze me with the 'catch and release'. Table rock is probably the best fishery in the midwest when you consider all the K, LM and SM in the lake. I was fishing last year and was talking to a Missouri Conservation Agent and he stated that he wished people would keep the SM. He said that the LM fish kill that happened 5 years ago hurt the LM population and the SM keep the LM from being better in size and population. I don't believe in keeping fish for nothing but I do not think it hurts to keep some of the shorter keepers. You guys have taken things to far in my opinion. Just thought I would let you know how a lot of us think. Oh geez LOOK OUT! TRACY FRENZEL FRENZELS GUIDE SERVICE 417-699-2277 "ONE MORE CAST"
Jason Essary Posted April 16, 2009 Author Posted April 16, 2009 DUCK FOR COVER. Essary Construction - Honest work for honest price Custom Construction and Remodeling Call for free quotes (417)338-6418 http://essarycustomhomes.com/
S&M Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 I did my part this month to help protect the bass population by not fishing for 3 days........ How do I deal with those who ignore the 50 yard encroachment rule?......I show them just how accurate I am with a crank bait!
edyer Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 I did my part this month to help protect the bass population by not fishing for 3 days........ I keep a few 15 inch Spots now and then and they taste good! We release all LM and SM.
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